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THE THREE CITRONS
while he began to be astonished at understanding the
language of birds, and thought it his duty to inform his
new mistress of the wonder. The negress did not disdain
to go to the kitchen. As soon as she heard the song, with
a cry of affright, she ordered Bouchibus to catch the pigeon
and make a stew of it.
No sooner said than done. The poor bird suffered itself
to be caught without resistance. In an instant Bouchibus,
armed with his great knife, cut off its head and threw it
into the garden. Three drops of blood fell on the ground;
and three days after there sprang from the earth a beautiful
citron-tree, which grew so fast that before night it was in
blossom.
The prince, while taking the air in his balcony, chanced to
spy a citron-tree which he had never seen before. He
called the cook and asked him who had planted this beauti¬
ful tree. The story of Bouchibus perplexed him greatly.
He at once commanded, under penalty of death, that no
one should touch the citron-tree, and that the greatest
care should be taken of it.
The next morning, as soon as he awoke, the prince hast¬
ened to the garden. There were already three citrons
on the tree—three citrons exactly like those which the Fate
had given him. Carlino gathered them, hastened to his
apartments, and shut himself up under lock and key. With
a trembling hand he filled a golden cup, set with rubies,
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